News

Foundation welcomes new President & Deputy President

The Science Foundation for Physics is a not-for-profit organisation created by Professor Harry Messel in 1954 to support the School of Physics and to promote science education and communication.

Following on from the retiring of an active Presidency by Mr Trevor Danos, the Science Foundation for Physics Council voted unanimously to elect Mr Jim O'Connor as the Foundation's President, and for Mr Albert Wong as its Deputy President.

Jim O'Connor has held numerous roles in his long career with Westpac Banking Corporation from branch teller through to management roles in Head Office. Currently he is the Head of Westpac's Staff Superannuation Plan having previously been a Trustee Director of Westpac's Staff Superannuation Plan.

Jim is a member of the PC Reuse Advisory Panel for Workventures Australia Ltd and holds an MBA from IMI Geneva (now known as IMD, Lausanne), as well as a MCom and BA from local universities.

Jim has been the Chair of the Science Foundation for Physics Finance Committee where his good financial sense and wise counsel has been greatly valued.

The Foundation warmly welcomes and congratulates Jim in his new role of President, Science Foundation for Physics.

Albert Wong was formerly a stockbroker for 21 years and is a corporate adviser and investment banker with over 28 years experience in the finance industry. Albert is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a Practitioner Member (Master Stockbroking) of the Stockbrokers Association of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Albert has been widely involved in philanthropic activities including directorships on UNSW Foundation Limited (the principal fundraising arm of The University of New South Wales), Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth Foundation, Committee Member of the Messel Endowment Capital Campaign.

Albert is the only Council Member who is also a Life Governor of the Science Foundation for Physics having helped secure two one million dollar gifts for the Messel Endowment established to ensure the continuation of the International Science School in perpetuity. In May 2010 Albert and his wife, Sophie, made a $100,000 donation to the Messel Endowment.

The Foundation thanks Albert and Sophie for their generous support. The Foundation also warmly welcomes and congratulates Albert in his new role of Deputy President.

The Foundation also thanks Trevor Danos, the Immediate Past President, for his unwavering enthusiasm and energy for science in his time as President.